serious
24 synonyms and 5 antonyms for serious, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Not joking or humorous; solemn in manner.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use serious
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French serieux, from Medieval Latin sēriōsus, based on Latin sērius, "grave, earnest."
Full origin of serious →Frequently asked questions
What does “serious” mean?
The word “serious” means not joking or humorous; solemn in manner. In plain terms, grave or earnest — either in someone's manner, or describing something important or dangerous.
How do you pronounce “serious”?
“Serious” is pronounced SEER-ree-uhs (/ˈsɪɚ.i.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “serious” in a sentence?
Here is “serious” used in a sentence: “He gave her a serious look and said nothing more.”
What is another word for “serious”?
Words with a similar meaning to “serious” include austere, frightful, demure, grave, earnest and grievous.
What is the opposite of “serious”?
The opposite of “serious” — its antonyms — are trifling, unimportant, jesting, gaudy and witty.
What part of speech is “serious”?
“Serious” is an adjective.
Where does the word “serious” come from?
The word “serious” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French serieux, from Medieval Latin sēriōsus, based on Latin sērius, "grave, earnest.".
Is “serious” a common word?
“Serious” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between serious and solemn?
The words overlap but differ in feel. Serious means not joking, being earnest and in earnest about something. Solemn adds a note of formal gravity or ceremony, the mood of a funeral or an oath. Someone can be serious in a casual chat, but solemn suggests a deeper, more dignified seriousness.
What is the opposite of serious?
When serious means not joking, its opposites are playful, lighthearted, humorous, or flippant. A serious expression contrasts with a smiling or joking one. In the related sense of grave or important, the opposites shift to trivial, minor, or unimportant, showing how much the word depends on context.
Is serious a positive or negative word?
Serious is neutral and takes its color from context. Calling someone a serious student is a compliment, suggesting dedication. Describing a mood as too serious can be mild criticism, implying a lack of fun. And a serious illness or serious mistake is clearly negative. Tone and setting decide the meaning.
What is an example of serious?
A doctor delivering test results wears a serious expression, showing no trace of humor. A serious conversation is one held in earnest, not in jest. In each case the word marks a solemn, focused manner, the opposite of laughing, teasing, or treating a matter lightly.